Multi-transceiver system with MIMO and beam-forming capability

ABSTRACT

A system and method for communicating with a second communication system utilizing a plurality of antennas. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise determining whether communicating with the second communication system utilizing a plurality of antennas in a first configuration, which comprises a beam-forming configuration, is preferable to utilizing a plurality of antennas in a second configuration, which comprises a MIMO or MISO configuration. If it is determined that the first configuration is preferable to the second configuration, the communication system may be configured to communicate with the second communication system by utilizing at least a portion of the plurality of antennas in the first configuration. If it is determined that the second configuration is preferable to the first configuration, then the communication system may be configured to communicate with the second communication system by utilizing at least a portion of the plurality of antennas in the second configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/026,442, filed Feb. 14, 2011; which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/250,119, filed Oct. 13, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,890,143; which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/092,349, filed Mar. 29, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,440,777; which makes reference to, claims priority to and claimsbenefit from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/601,457,filed Aug. 13, 2004, and titled “MULTI-TRANSCEIVER SYSTEM WITH MIMO ANDBEAM-FORMING CAPABILITY,” the contents of each of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. This patentapplication is related to U.S. Pat. No. 7,711,374; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/768,879, filed Apr. 28, 2010, entitled “DYNAMICRECONFIGURATION OF COMMUNICATION RESOURCES IN A MULTI-TRANSCEIVERCONFIGURATION”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,070; U.S. Pat. No. 7,565,173; U.S.Pat. No. 8,126,503; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/404,599,filed on Feb. 24, 2012, entitled “DYNAMIC MIMO RESOURCE ALLOCATIONDURING A SINGLE COMMUNICATION.”

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various communication systems may utilize single antenna, singletransmission path communications. Various other communication systemsmay utilize multiple-antenna multiple-transmission path communications(e.g., Multiple Input Multiple Output “MIMO” communications). Suchcommunication systems may work well in some communication scenarios andnot work well in other communication scenarios. Various othercommunication systems may utilize multiple antennas for beam-formingcommunications. Such communication systems may work well in somecommunication scenarios and not work well in other communicationscenarios.

Current multi-antenna communication systems generally fail to takeadvantage of potential communication flexibility that multi-antennacommunication configurations offer. For example, a communication systemutilizing multiple antennas for MIMO communications might not performwell in rural environments.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a system and method forcommunicating with a second communication system utilizing a pluralityof antennas, substantially as shown in and/or described in connectionwith at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in theclaims. These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of thepresent invention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof,will be more fully understood from the following description anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary MIMO transmittingconfiguration.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary MIMO receivingconfiguration.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication systemhaving a beam-forming configuration.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method, in a communicationsystem, for utilizing a plurality of antennas to communicate, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method, in a communicationsystem, for utilizing a plurality of antennas to communicate, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system thatutilizes a plurality of antennas to communicate, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion may illustrate various aspects of the presentinvention by referring to communication systems havingMultiple-Input-Multiple-Output (“MIMO”) communication capability. FIGS.1 and 2 illustrate basic MIMO transmitting and receiving configurations,respectively. Note, however, that the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited to MIMO,Multiple-Input-Single-Output (“MISO”), or Single-Input-Single-Output(“SISO”) communication systems or characteristics thereof.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system 100having a Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (“MIMO”) transmittingconfiguration. The channel encoder 110 receives data. The data maycomprise any of a variety of data types, including but not limited to,audio data, video data, textual data, graphical data, pictorial data,etc. The channel encoder 110 may comprise any of a variety of encodertypes. For example and without limitation, the channel encoder 110 maycomprise characteristics of a conventional encoder, error correctionencoder, MIMO encoder, etc.

The exemplary system 100 may comprise an interleaver 120 that receivesthe encoded data from the channel encoder 110. The interleaver 120 may,for example, perform interleaving to spread errors. The exemplary system100 may comprise a serial-to-parallel converter 130 that divides thesingle data stream out of the interleaver 120 (or channel encoder 110)into a plurality of (e.g., up to N) parallel paths. The outputs of theserial-to-parallel converter 130 may be coupled to a plurality oftransmitters (e.g., transmitter 140 through transmitter 150) andrespective antennas for transmission.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system 200having an exemplary MIMO receiving configuration. A plurality oftransmitted signals may arrive at the plurality of (e.g., up to M)antennas and respective receivers (e.g., receiver 210 through receiver220). The receivers 210-220 may provide the simultaneously receivedsignals to a MIMO demodulator 230. The MIMO demodulator 230 may providea serial stream of information to a de-interleaver 240 and to a channeldecoder 250 to convert the received signals into output data.

Note that the exemplary MIMO systems illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 aremerely illustrative examples of basic MIMO systems. It should be notedthat a MIMO system may comprise many various alternative configurations.Further it should be noted that many characteristics of MIMO systems areshared with MISO systems.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system 300having an exemplary beam-forming configuration. The channel encoder 310receives data. The data may comprise any of a variety of data types,including but not limited to, audio data, video data, textual data,graphical data, pictorial data, etc. The channel encoder 310 maycomprise any of a variety of encoder types. For example and withoutlimitation, the channel encoder 310 may comprise characteristics of aconventional encoder, error correction encoder, etc.

The exemplary system 300 may comprise a beam former and/or combiner 320(e.g., a digital beam-former and/or combiner) that receives the encodeddata from the channel encoder 310. The beam former/combiner 320 may, forexample, form parallel signals (e.g., N signals) that, when ultimatelytransmitted through corresponding transmitters and antennas, focustransmission energy in a particular direction. The outputs of the beamformer/combiner 320 may be modulated by a modulator 330 and communicatedto a plurality of transmitters (e.g., transmitter 340 throughtransmitter 350) and respective antennas for transmission. Asillustrated by the exemplary antenna gain pattern 360, the energy of thetransmitted plurality of signals may constructively combine to focuscomposite transmission energy in a particular direction.

As with the exemplary MIMO systems 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2,the exemplary communication system 300 with beam-forming capability ismerely exemplary. For example, a communication system utilizingbeam-forming may be constructed in many alternative configurations.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of the exemplary communicationsystem 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.

The following exemplary illustrations, in FIGS. 4-6, will be presentedin an exemplary scenario that comprises two multi-antenna communicationconfigurations (e.g., a beam-forming configuration and a MIMO or MISOconfiguration). It should be noted that the exemplary scenarios includeonly two configurations for the sake of illustrative simplicity. Forexample, the following discussion is readily extensible tothree-configuration or n-configuration scenarios. Accordingly, the scopeof various aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of only two-configuration scenarios.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method 400, in acommunication system, for utilizing a plurality of antennas tocommunicate, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention. The exemplary method 400 may be implemented by any of avariety of communication systems that comprise a plurality oftransceivers and/or antennas. For example and without limitation, themethod 400 may be implemented by various modules or systems of acommunication network (e.g., a base station, access point, or centralcontroller). Also for example, the method 400 may be implemented by afixed or portable communication system that communicates with acommunication network. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular communication system that may implement the exemplary method400.

The exemplary method 400 may begin executing at step 410. The exemplarymethod 400 (and other methods discussed herein, for example, exemplarymethod 500) may begin executing for any of a variety of reasons. Forexample and without limitation, the exemplary method 400 may begin inresponse to a user or automated input initiating a communication. Alsofor example, the exemplary method 400 may begin in response to a messagearriving from another communication system. Further for example, theexemplary method 400 may begin in response to one or more detectedcommunication environment characteristics. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular initiating cause or condition.

Portions of the following discussion will include illustrations of acommunication system implementing the exemplary method 400 communicatingwith a second communication system. Such a one-to-one communicationscenario is presented for illustrative clarity and should not limit thescope of various aspects of the present invention to characteristics ofa one-to-one communication scenario. For example and without limitation,various aspects of the present invention also may apply to broadcast andmulti-cast communication scenarios.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 420, comprise determining whethercommunicating with a second communication system utilizing a pluralityof antennas in a first configuration, which comprises a beam-formingconfiguration, is preferable to utilizing a plurality of antennas in asecond configuration, which comprises either of a MIMO or MISOconfiguration. Step 420 may comprise making such determination in any ofa variety of manners, non-limiting illustrative examples of which arepresented below.

For example, step 420 may comprise determining whether the firstconfiguration is preferable to the second configuration based, at leastin part, on energy or power consumption associated with utilizing thefirst configuration and energy or power consumption associated withutilizing the second configuration. For example, depending on theparticular communication scenario, a beam-forming configuration maycorrespond to the utilization of more or less energy or power than aMIMO or MISO configuration. Step 420 may (e.g., in an communicationscenario involving a finite energy source) comprise determining toutilize the configuration that corresponds with the lowest amount ofenergy or power utilization while meeting a particular quality goal.Step 420 may also (e.g., in a communication scenario involving a finiteenergy source) comprise determining and considering the amount of energyor power presently available for communication or anticipated to beavailable for communication.

Also for example, step 420 may comprise determining whether the firstconfiguration is preferable to the second configuration based, at leastin part, on secure communication needs of at least one of thecommunication system and the second communication system. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, at least one of the communicationsystem and the second communication system may desire the added securityof a relatively narrow radiation pattern of a communication beam. Inanother exemplary scenario, at least one of the communication system andthe second communication system may desire the added security ofrelatively low power emissions that may be advantageously provided by aMIMO configuration. Step 420 may, for example, comprise communicatingsecurity information between the communication system and the secondcommunication system and negotiating an acceptable configuration.

Additionally for example, step 420 may comprise determining andanalyzing a desired data rate for the communication, and determiningwhether to utilize the first or second configuration based, at least inpart, on the desired data rate. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, abeam-forming configuration may provide a relatively high antenna gain,which may correspond to a higher S/N ratio and higher data rate. Inanother exemplary scenario (e.g., in a multi-path environment with noclear path between the communication systems), a MIMO configuration mayprovide more reliable high-data-rate communications than a beam-formingconfiguration.

Still further for example, step 420 may comprise determining whether thefirst configuration is preferable to the second configuration based, atleast in part, on dimensional characteristics of a communication cellthat is associated with at least one of the communication system and thesecond communication system. For example and without limitation, thecommunication system emissions may be bounded by a cell dimension, andconforming to such cell dimensions may favor one of a beam-forming or aMIMO configuration (e.g., depending on the location of the secondcommunication system within the cell). As a non-limiting example, anoblong-shaped cell may favor a beam-forming configuration betweencommunication systems at the far ends of the cell and favor a MIMOconfiguration near the center of the cell.

Step 420 may, for example, comprise determining whether the firstconfiguration is preferable to the second configuration based, at leastin part, on geographical position of the second communication system. Asmentioned previously, step 420 may comprise determining and consideringthe position of the second communication system (e.g., absolute positionor position relative to the communication system) within a cell. Alsofor example, step 420 may comprise determining and considering theposition of the second communication system relative to communicationobstacles, signal barriers, interference sources, multi-pathopportunities, etc.

Also for example, step 420 may comprise determining and analyzingantenna pattern information for at least one of the first and secondcommunication systems, and determining whether to utilize the first orsecond configuration based, at least in part, on the antenna patterninformation. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 420 may compriseaccessing and analyzing antenna pattern information for a particularcommunication beam to determine the gain characteristics in the vicinityof the second communication system. In another non-limiting exemplaryscenario, step 420 may comprise accessing and analyzing antenna patterninformation to determine whether a set of MIMO signals are likely toreach the second communication system at a desirable signal strength.

Additionally for example, step 420 may comprise determining andanalyzing position of communicating entities other than thecommunication system and the second communication system, anddetermining whether to utilize the first or second configuration based,at least in part, on the position of communicating entities other thanthe communication system and the second communication system. Asmentioned previously, such communicating entities may, for example andwithout limitation, be sources of interference or may represent securityrisks. Step 420 may, for example, comprise determining whether suchcommunicating entities are currently communicating. In a non-limitingexemplary scenario, a communicating entity may be a significant sourceof noise during business hours, and step 420 may comprise determining toutilize a beam-forming configuration with a directional gain thatminimizes interference from the communicating entity. In anothernon-limiting exemplary scenario, the communicating entity may be in-linebetween the communication system and the second communication system,and step 420 may comprise determining to utilize a MIMO configuration,since a beam-forming configuration might magnify the interference fromthe communicating entity.

Further for example, step 420 may comprise determining whether the firstconfiguration is preferable to the second configuration based, at leastin part, on multi-path communication environment between thecommunication system and the second communication system. For exampleand without limitation, a communication cell may comprise a relativelyurban portion and a relatively rural portion (e.g., near the edge of adowntown district). In an exemplary scenario where the secondcommunication system is near the relatively rural portion, step 420 maycomprise determining to utilize a beam-forming configuration. In anotherexemplary scenario where the second communication system is in therelatively urban portion (e.g., surrounded by buildings in a relativelyrich multi-path environment), step 420 may comprise determining toutilize a MIMO or MISO configuration.

Still further for example, step 420 may comprise determining andanalyzing time-of-day information, and determining whether to utilizethe first or second configuration based, at least in part, on thetime-of-day information. As mentioned previously, interference sourcesmay be time-dependent. Also for example, cell configuration and loadingmay be time-dependent. Energy or power availability and/or expectedenergy or power consumption may be time-dependent. Overall communicationplans or restrictions (e.g., FCC restrictions) may be time-dependent.Generally, many of the factors discussed herein may comprisetime-dependent characteristics, which step 420 may comprise considering.

Step 420 may, for example, comprise determining whether the firstconfiguration is preferable to the second configuration based, at leastin part, on input received from a user of at least one of thecommunication system and the second communication system. For exampleand without limitation, step 420 may comprise receiving input from auser of either the communication system or the second communicationsystem that mandates a particular configuration. Also for example, step420 may comprise receiving input from a user that specifies a preferred,but not mandated, configuration. Step 420 may comprise acquiring userinput information in real-time from a user or may comprise acquiringuser input information from a memory device in which such information isstored.

Also for example, step 420 may comprise determining whether the firstconfiguration is preferable to the second configuration based, at leastin part, on a predetermined communication profile associated with atleast one of the communication system and the second communicationsystem. Such a predetermined communication profile may, for example,comprise information as to which configuration to use in a variety ofscenarios. For example and without limitation, a predeterminedcommunication profile may specify a configuration to utilize duringparticular time windows. A predetermined communication profile mayspecify a configuration to utilize for a particular second communicationsystem or particular location of the second communication system.

Further for example, step 420 may comprise determining and analyzingMIMO (or MISO) capability of the second communication system, anddetermining whether to utilize the first or second configuration based,at least in part, on the MIMO capability of the second communicationsystem. For example, the second communication system may comprise noMIMO capability or only limited MIMO capability. In a non-limitingexemplary scenario, the second communication system may comprise onlyorder-2 MIMO capability, where the communication system may compriseorder-4 MIMO capability. Step 420 may then comprise considering therelatively limited nature of the order-2 MIMO capability (e.g., relativeto the order-4 MIMO capability) when determining whether to utilize abeam-forming configuration or a MIMO configuration.

Still further for example, step 420 may comprise determining andanalyzing respective signal qualities for communication utilizing thefirst and second configurations, and determining whether to utilize thefirst or second configuration based, at least in part, on the determinedrespective signal qualities. For example, step 420 may comprisedetermining expected signal strengths, signal-to-noise ratios or dataerror rates for information communicated utilizing variousconfigurations and determine to utilize the configuration thatcorresponds to the lowest error rate or highest S/N ratio.

Also for example, step 420 may comprise determining and analyzing theneed for a hand-off event, and determining whether to utilize the firstor second configuration based, at least in part, on the need for ahand-off event. For example and without limitation, communicationhand-offs (e.g., between access points, cellular base stations ordifferent networks) may be preferably executed using a particularconfiguration. Step 420 may comprise determining to configure thecommunication system with the configuration that is preferred for aparticular hand-off.

Also for example, step 420 may comprise determining whether the firstconfiguration is preferable to the second configuration based, at leastin part, on communication channel performance. Communication channelperformance may, for example, be determined by channel estimation,performance prediction, performance monitoring, etc.

In general, step 420 may comprise determining whether communicating withthe second communication system utilizing a plurality of antennas in afirst configuration, which comprises a beam-forming configuration, ispreferable to utilizing a plurality of antennas in a secondconfiguration, which comprises either of a MIMO or MISO configuration.The previous examples represent a non-limiting set of examples, whichmay be added to or combined. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of theprevious specific examples or by specific combinations of the previousspecific examples.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 430, comprise directing executionflow of the method 400 (e.g., in response to a determination made atstep 420). For example, if step 420 determines that a beam-formingconfiguration is preferable to a MIMO (or MISO) configuration, then step430 may direct execution flow to step 440. Also for example, if step 420determines that a MIMO (or MISO) configuration is preferable to abeam-forming configuration, then step 430 may comprise directingexecution flow to step 450.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 440, comprise configuring thecommunication system to communicate with the second communication systemby utilizing at least a portion of the plurality of antennas in abeam-forming configuration. As explained previously, a communicationsystem may be configured in any of a variety of beam-formingconfigurations, a non-limiting illustrative example of which isgenerally shown at FIG. 3.

For example, step 440 may comprise determining characteristics of adesired communication beam. Step 440 may, for example, comprisedetermining the position of the second communication system anddetermining communication beam characteristics (e.g., antenna gain,radiation pattern or direction) desired for communication between thecommunication system and the second communication system. Step 440 maythen, for example, comprise encoding and mapping signals, such that thesignals transmitted from a plurality of antennas form a communicationbeam having the desired radiation pattern and direction. Step 440 mayalso, for example, comprise determining power at which to transmitrespective signals from the plurality of antennas. Step 440 may thereby,for example, focus transmission energy toward the second communicationsystem.

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 450, comprise configuring thecommunication system to communicate with the second communication systemby utilizing at least a portion of the plurality of antennas in a MIMO(or MISO) configuration. As explained previously, a communication systemmay be configured in any of a variety of MIMO configurations,non-limiting illustrative examples of which are generally shown at FIGS.1-2.

For example, step 450 may comprise performing MIMO channel encoding andmapping to generate desired output signals from a plurality oftransceivers and associated antennas of the communication system. Alsofor example, step 450 may comprise communicating MIMO traininginformation to the second communication system. Step 450 may compriseperforming such communication in any of a variety of manners (e.g.,temporarily utilizing a SISO or beam-forming configuration tocommunicate such information).

The exemplary method 400 may, at step 460, comprise performing continuedprocessing. Such continued processing may comprise any of a largevariety of characteristics. For example and without limitation, step 460may comprise communicating information utilizing the communicationsystem (e.g., as configured at steps 440 or 450). Also for example, step460 may comprise looping execution of the method 400 back up to step 420for re-determination.

The exemplary method 400 was presented to provide specific examples ofgenerally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby particular characteristics of the exemplary method 400.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method 500, in acommunication system, for utilizing a plurality of antennas tocommunicate, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention. The exemplary method 500 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the exemplary method 400illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously. For example, theexemplary method 500 may be implemented in any of a variety ofcommunication systems.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 515, comprise configuring thecommunication system to utilize one of a first and second configurationfor a communication, wherein the first configuration comprises abeam-forming configuration and the second configuration comprises eitherof a MIMO or MISO configuration. For example and without limitation,step 515 may share various characteristics with steps 440 and 450 of theexemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 517, comprise communicating afirst portion of a communication with the second communication systemutilizing the configuration established at step 515 (e.g., abeam-forming configuration or a MIMO or MISO configuration). Acommunication may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of typesof communication. For example and without limitation, a communicationmay comprise a telephone call or a voice message. A communication may,for example, comprise audio, video, pictorial, graphical, data ortextual information. The scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any particulartype of communication.

The exemplary method 500 may comprise, at step 520, while communicatingthe first portion of the communication, monitoring communicationconditions to determine whether to communicate with the secondcommunication system utilizing the other one of the first and secondconfigurations. For example, in an exemplary scenario where step 515configured the communication system in a beam-forming configuration, andstep 517 is communicating a first portion of a communication with thesecond communication system utilizing the beam-forming configuration,step 520 may comprise monitoring communication conditions to determinewhether to communicate with the second communication system utilizing aMIMO (or MISO) configuration rather than the present beam-formingconfiguration.

The communication conditions that step 520 may comprise monitoring mayinclude any of a variety of conditions related to the communication ofinformation. For example and without limitation, such communicationconditions may comprise noise level, energy or power availability,energy or power utilization, data rate, error rate, generalcommunication environment, system geographical position(s), time, userinput, type of data, etc.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 520 may comprise monitoringgeographical location of at least one of the communication system andthe second communication system. Step 520 may, in the exemplaryscenario, determine that the second communication system has moved froma rich urban multipath environment to a relatively wide-open ruralenvironment that is less conducive to multi-path communications. Step520 may, in the exemplary scenario, determine that the next portion ofthe communication should be communicated utilizing a beam-formingconfiguration.

In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 520 may comprisemonitoring user input at one of the communication system and the secondcommunication system. Step 520 may, in the exemplary scenario, comprisedetermining that a user of the second communication system has indicateda desire to switch communication configurations from a beam-formingconfiguration to a MIMO configuration (e.g., in response tocommunication issues that the user has detected but that the systemshave not detected and/or remedied). Step 520 may, in the exemplaryscenario, determine that the next portion of the communication should becommunicated utilizing a MIMO configuration.

In general, step 520 may comprise, while communicating the first portionof the communication, monitoring communication conditions to determinewhether to communicate with the second communication system utilizing adifferent configuration. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular communication condition, manner of monitoring a communicationcondition, or manner of determining to utilize a differentconfiguration.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 530, comprise directing executionflow of the method 500 (e.g., in response to a determination made atstep 520). For example, if step 520 determines that a differentconfiguration is preferable to the current configuration, then step 530may direct execution flow to step 540. Also for example, if step 520determines that the current configuration is preferable to a differentconfiguration, then step 530 may comprise directing execution flow tostep 550.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 540, comprise changingconfigurations. In an exemplary scenario, where step 515 comprisedconfiguring the communication system in a MIMO configuration for a firstportion of a communication, step 540 may comprise configuring thecommunication system in a beam-forming configuration for a secondportion of the communication. In another exemplary scenario, where step515 comprised configuring the communication system in a beam-formingconfiguration for a first portion of a communication, step 540 maycomprise configuring the communication system in a MIMO configurationfor a second portion of the communication.

Step 540 may, for example and without limitation, share variousconfiguring characteristics with steps 440 and 450 of the exemplarymethod 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously. For exampleand without limitation, non-limiting examples of beam-forming and MIMOconfigurations were illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and discussed previously.

For example, step 540 may comprise re-encoding and re-mapping signals toa plurality of antennas (e.g., and associated transceivers) of thecommunication system. Step 540 may also, for example, comprisecommunicating transitional information with the second communicationsystem. Such transitional information may, for example, comprisesynchronization information to indicate a point in the communicationbetween the communication system and the second communication system atwhich a configuration transition may occur (e.g., packet, frame or timeidentifier). Such transitional information may also, for example,comprise various MIMO or MISO training information (e.g., to assist thecommunication systems in processing received information).

As mentioned previously, if step 520 determines that the currentconfiguration is preferable to a different configuration, then step 530may comprise directing execution flow of the method 500 to step 550. Theexemplary method 500 may then, at step 550, comprise communicating anext portion of the communication utilizing the first configuration(e.g., the configuration established at step 515).

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 560, comprise performing continuedprocessing. As discussed previously with regard to step 460 of theexemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4, such continued processingmay comprise any of a variety of characteristics. For example andwithout limitation, step 560 may comprise looping execution flow back upto step 520 for further monitoring to determine which configuration toutilize for a third portion of the communication (or a nextcommunication). Also for example, step 560 may comprise performing anyof a large variety of user interface and communication-relatedprocessing. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of any particularcontinued processing.

The exemplary method 500 was presented to provide specific examples ofgenerally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby particular characteristics of the exemplary method 500.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication system 600that utilizes a plurality of antennas to communicate, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present invention. The exemplary communicationsystem 600 may, for example and without limitation share variousfunctional characteristics with the exemplary methods 400, 500illustrated in FIGS. 4-5 and discussed previously. Also for example andwithout limitation, the exemplary communication system 600 may sharevarious characteristics with the exemplary MIMO and beam-forming systemsillustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and discussed previously.

The exemplary communication system 600 may comprise characteristics ofany of a variety of communication systems that comprise a plurality ofantennas. For example and without limitation, the communication system600 may comprise various systems, sub-systems and modules of acommunication network (e.g., a base station, access point, or centralcontroller). Also for example, the communication system 600 may comprisecharacteristics of a fixed or portable communication system thatcommunicates with a communication network. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular communication system.

The following discussion will refer to various modules and components.It should be recognized that various modules may be implemented inhardware and/or software. Additionally, various modules may sharevarious hardware and/or software sub-modules. For example a first moduleand a second module may share a processor or codec. Also for example, afirst module and a second module may share an initialization softwareroutine or a common functional software sub-module. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of any particular module implementation or by anyarbitrary boundary between modules or components.

The exemplary communication system 600 may comprise a configurationmodule 610 and a plurality of transceivers 640-650 with respectiveantennas 660-670. The configuration module 610 may comprise a signalprocessing module 612, which may perform any of a large variety ofsignal processing activities. The signal processing module 612 may, forexample and without limitation, perform various processing in support ofthe configuration module 610 operation. Also for example, the signalprocessing module 612 may perform various user interface, communication,memory management and power management activities.

The configuration module 610 may comprise a MIMO module 614 thatperforms various aspects of MIMO communications. Such aspects maycomprise, without limitation, MIMO encoding/decoding, MIMO mapping, etc.The MIMO module 614 may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious characteristics with the exemplary MIMO systems 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously, or other known orto-be-developed MIMO (or MISO) systems.

The configuration module 610 may also comprise a beam-forming module 616that performs various aspects of beam-forming communications. Suchaspects may comprise, without limitation, beam-forming encoding,beam-forming mapping, etc. The beam-forming module 616 may, for exampleand without limitation, share various characteristics with the exemplarybeam-forming system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously,or other known or to-be-developed beam-forming systems.

The configuration module 610 may also, in various exemplary embodiments,comprise a communication condition monitor 619, which may monitor any ofa variety of communication conditions during operation of thecommunication system 600.

Portions of the following discussion will include illustrations of thecommunication system 600 communicating with a second communicationsystem. Such a one-to-one communication scenario is presented forillustrative clarity and should not limit the scope of various aspectsof the present invention to characteristics of a one-to-onecommunication scenario. For example and without limitation, variousaspects of the present invention also may apply to broadcast andmulti-cast communication scenarios.

In an exemplary operating scenario, the configuration module 610 (e.g.,the signal processing module 612) may determine whether communicatingwith a second communication system utilizing a plurality of antennas(e.g., a plurality of the first through Nth antennas 660-670) in a firstconfiguration, which comprises a beam-forming configuration, ispreferable to utilizing a plurality of antennas (e.g., a plurality ofthe first through Nth antennas 660-670) in a second configuration, whichcomprises either of a MIMO or MISO configuration. The configurationmodule 610 (e.g., the signal processing module 612) may share variousfunctional characteristics with step 420 of the exemplary method 400illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously. For example, theconfiguration module 610 may make such determination in any of a varietyof manners, non-limiting illustrative examples of which are presentedbelow.

For example, the configuration module 610 may determine whether thefirst configuration is preferable to the second configuration based, atleast in part, on energy or power consumption associated with utilizingthe first configuration and energy or power consumption associated withutilizing the second configuration. For example, depending on theparticular communication scenario, a beam-forming configuration maycorrespond to the utilization of more or less energy or power than aMIMO or MISO configuration. The configuration module 610 may (e.g., inan communication scenario involving a finite energy source) determine toutilize the configuration that corresponds with the lowest amount ofenergy or power utilization while meeting a particular quality goal. Theconfiguration module 610 may also (e.g., in an communication scenarioinvolving a finite energy source) determine and consider the amount ofenergy or power presently available for communication or anticipated tobe available for communication.

Also for example, the configuration module 610 may determine whether thefirst configuration is preferable to the second configuration based, atleast in part, on secure communication needs of at least one of thecommunication system 600 and the second communication system. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, at least one of the communicationsystem 600 and the second communication system may desire the addedsecurity of a relatively narrow radiation pattern of a communicationbeam. In another exemplary scenario, at least one of the communicationsystem 600 and the second communication system may desire the addedsecurity of relatively low-power emissions that may be advantageouslyprovided by a MIMO configuration. The configuration module 610 may, forexample, communicate security information between the communicationsystem 600 and the second communication system and negotiate anacceptable configuration.

Additionally for example, the configuration module 610 may determine andanalyze a desired data rate for the communication, and determine whetherto utilize the first or second configuration based, at least in part, onthe desired data rate. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, abeam-forming configuration may provide a relatively high antenna gain,which may correspond to a higher S/N ratio and higher data rate. Inanother exemplary scenario (e.g., in a multi-path environment with noclear path between the communication systems), a MIMO configuration mayprovide more reliable high-data-rate communications than a beam-formingconfiguration.

Still further for example, the configuration module 610 may determinewhether the first configuration is preferable to the secondconfiguration based, at least in part, on dimensional characteristics ofa communication cell that is associated with at least one of thecommunication system and the second communication system. For exampleand without limitation, the communication system 600 emissions may bebounded by a cell dimension, and conforming to such cell dimensions mayfavor one of a beam-forming or a MIMO configuration (e.g., depending onthe location of the second communication system within the cell). As anon-limiting example, an oblong-shaped cell may favor a beam-formingconfiguration between communication systems at the far ends of the celland favor a MIMO configuration near the center of the cell.

The configuration module 610 may, for example, determine whether thefirst configuration is preferable to the second configuration based, atleast in part, on geographical position of the second communicationsystem. As mentioned previously, the configuration module 610 maydetermine and consider the position of the second communication system(e.g., absolute position or position relative to the communicationsystem 600) within a cell. Also for example, the configuration module610 may determine and consider the position of the second communicationsystem relative to communication obstacles, signal barriers,interference sources, multi-path opportunities, etc.

Also for example, the configuration module 610 may determine and analyzeantenna pattern information for at least one of the first 600 and secondcommunication systems, and determine whether to utilize the first orsecond configuration based, at least in part, on the antenna patterninformation. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the configurationmodule 610 may access and analyze antenna pattern information for aparticular communication beam to determine the gain characteristics inthe vicinity of the second communication system. In another non-limitingexemplary scenario, the configuration module 610 may access and analyzeantenna pattern information to determine whether a set of MIMO signalsare likely to reach the second communication system at a desirablesignal strength.

Additionally for example, the configuration module 610 may determine andanalyze position of communicating entities other than the communicationsystem 600 and the second communication system, and determine whether toutilize the first or second configuration based, at least in part, onthe position of communicating entities other than the communicationsystem 600 and the second communication system. As mentioned previously,such communicating entities may, for example, be sources of interferenceor may represent security risks. The configuration module 610 may, forexample, determine whether such communicating entities are currentlycommunicating. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a communicatingentity may be a significant source of noise during business hours, andthe configuration module 610 may determine to utilize a beam-formingconfiguration with a directional gain that minimizes interference fromthe communicating entity. In another non-limiting exemplary scenario,the communicating entity may be in-line between the communication system600 and the second communication system, and the configuration module610 may determine to utilize a MIMO configuration, since a beam-formingconfiguration might magnify the interference from the communicatingentity.

Further for example, the configuration module 610 may determine whetherthe first configuration is preferable to the second configuration based,at least in part, on multi-path communication environment between thecommunication system 600 and the second communication system. Forexample and without limitation, a communication cell may comprise arelatively urban portion and a relatively rural portion (e.g., near theedge of a downtown district). In an exemplary scenario where the secondcommunication system is near the relatively rural portion, theconfiguration module 610 may determine to utilize a beam-formingconfiguration. In another exemplary scenario where the secondcommunication system is in the relatively urban portion (e.g.,surrounded by buildings in a relatively rich multi-path environment),the configuration module 610 may determine to utilize a MIMO or MISOconfiguration.

Still further for example, the configuration module 610 may determineand analyze time-of-day information, and determine whether to utilizethe first or second configuration based, at least in part, on thetime-of-day information. As mentioned previously, interference sourcesmay be time-dependent. Also for example, cell configuration and loadingmay be time-dependent. Energy or power availability and/or expectedenergy or power consumption may be time-dependent. Overall communicationplans or restrictions (e.g., FCC restrictions) may be time-dependent.Generally, many of the factors discussed herein may comprisetime-dependent characteristics, which the configuration module 610 mayconsider.

The configuration module 610 may, for example, determine whether thefirst configuration is preferable to the second configuration based, atleast in part, on input received from a user of at least one of thecommunication system 600 and the second communication system. Forexample and without limitation, the configuration module 610 may receiveinput from a user of either the communication system 600 or the secondcommunication system that mandates a particular configuration. Also forexample the configuration module 610 may receive input from a user thatspecifies a preferred, but not mandated, configuration. Theconfiguration module 610 may acquire user input information in real-timefrom a user or may acquire user input information from a memory devicein which such information is stored.

Also for example, the configuration module 610 may determine whether thefirst configuration is preferable to the second configuration based, atleast in part, on a predetermined communication profile associated withat least one of the communication system 600 and the secondcommunication system. Such a predetermined communication profile may,for example, comprise information as to which configuration to use in avariety of scenarios. For example and without limitation, apredetermined communication profile may specify a configuration toutilize during particular time windows. A predetermined communicationprofile may specify a configuration to utilize for a particular secondcommunication system or particular location of the second communicationsystem.

For example, the configuration module 610 may determine whether thefirst configuration is preferable to the second configuration based, atleast in part, on communication channel performance. Communicationchannel performance may, for example, be determined by channelestimation, performance prediction, performance monitoring, etc.

Further for example, the configuration module 610 may determine andanalyze MIMO (or MISO) capability of the second communication system,and determining whether to utilize the first or second configurationbased, at least in part, on the MIMO capability of the secondcommunication system. For example, the second communication system maycomprise no MIMO capability or only limited MIMO capability. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the second communication system maycomprise only order-2 MIMO capability, where the communication system600 may comprise order-4 MIMO capability. The configuration module 610may then consider the relatively limited nature of the order-2 MIMOcapability (e.g., relative to the order-4 MIMO capability) whendetermining whether to utilize a beam-forming configuration or a MIMOconfiguration.

Still further for example, the configuration module 610 may determineand analyze respective signal qualities for communication utilizing thefirst and second configurations, and determining whether to utilize thefirst or second configuration based, at least in part, on the determinedrespective signal qualities. For example, the configuration module 610may determine expected signal strengths, signal-to-noise ratios or dataerror rates for information communicated utilizing variousconfigurations, and determine to utilize the configuration thatcorresponds to the lowest error rate or highest S/N ratio.

Also for example, the configuration module 610 may determine and analyzethe need for a hand-off event, and determine whether to utilize thefirst or second configuration based, at least in part, on the need for ahand-off event. For example and without limitation, communicationhand-offs (e.g., between access points, cellular base stations ordifferent networks) may be preferably executed using a particularconfiguration. The configuration module 610 may determine to configurethe communication system 600 with the configuration that is preferredfor a particular hand-off.

In general, the configuration module 610 may determine whethercommunicating with the second communication system utilizing a pluralityof antennas in a first configuration, which comprises a beam-formingconfiguration, is preferable to utilizing a plurality of antennas in asecond configuration, which comprises either of a MIMO or MISOconfiguration. The previous examples represent a non-limiting set ofexamples, which may be added to or combined. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of the previous specific examples or by specificcombinations of the previous specific examples.

If the configuration module 610 determines that a beam-formingconfiguration is preferable to a MIMO (or MISO) configuration, then theconfiguration module 610 may configure the communication system 600 tocommunicate with the second communication system by utilizing aplurality of antennas (e.g., at least a portion of the plurality ofantennas 660-670) in a beam-forming configuration. The configurationmodule 610 may, for example, utilize the beam-forming module 616 toperform various aspects of communication in such a beam-formingconfiguration. As explained previously, a communication system may beconfigured in any of a variety of beam-forming configurations, anon-limiting illustrative example of which is generally shown at FIG. 3.For example and without limitation, the configuration module 610 (e.g.,operating in conjunction with the beam-forming module 616) may sharevarious functional characteristics with step 440 of the exemplary method400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously.

For example, the configuration module 610 may determine characteristicsof a desired communication beam. The configuration module 610 may, forexample, determine the position of the second communication system anddetermine communication beam characteristics (e.g., antenna gain,radiation pattern or direction) desired for communication between thecommunication system 600 and the second communication system. Theconfiguration module 610 may then, for example, utilize the beam-formingmodule 616 (or portions thereof) to encode and map signals, such thatthe signals transmitted from a plurality of antennas (e.g., theplurality of antennas 660-670) form a communication beam having thedesired radiation pattern and direction. The configuration module 610may also, for example, determine power at which to transmit respectivesignals from the plurality of antennas. The configuration module 610 maythereby, for example, focus transmission energy toward the secondcommunication system.

If the configuration module 610 determines that a MIMO (or MISO)configuration is preferable to a beam-forming configuration, then theconfiguration module 610 may configure the communication system 600 tocommunicate with the second communication system by utilizing aplurality of antennas (e.g., at least a portion of the plurality ofantennas 660-670) in a beam-forming configuration. The configurationmodule 610 may, for example, utilize the MIMO module 614 to performvarious aspects of communication in such a MIMO configuration. Asexplained previously, a communication system may be configured in any ofa variety of MIMO configurations, non-limiting illustrative examples ofwhich are generally shown at FIGS. 1-2. For example and withoutlimitation, the configuration module 610 (e.g., operating in conjunctionwith the MIMO module 614) may share various functional characteristicswith step 450 of the exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 anddiscussed previously.

For example, the configuration module 610 may utilize the MIMO module614 (or portions thereof) to perform MIMO channel encoding and mappingto generate desired output signals for a plurality of transceivers(e.g., at least a portion of the plurality of transceivers 640-650) andassociated antennas (e.g., at least a portion of the plurality ofantennas 660-670) of the communication system 600. Also for example, theconfiguration module 610 may communicate MIMO training information tothe second communication system. The configuration module 610 mayperform such communication in any of a variety of manners (e.g.,temporarily utilizing a SISO or beam-forming configuration tocommunicate such information).

The previous exemplary operating scenario was presented to providespecific examples of generally broader aspects of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by particular characteristics of the exemplaryoperating scenario.

In a second exemplary operating scenario, the configuration module 610may (e.g., utilizing the beam-forming module 616 and/or the MIMO module614) configure the communication system 600 to utilize one of a firstand second multi-antenna configuration for a communication, wherein thefirst configuration comprises a beam-forming configuration and thesecond configuration comprises either of a MIMO or MISO configuration.For example and without limitation, the configuration module 610 (e.g.,in conjunction with the beam-forming module 616 and the MIMO module 614)may share various functional characteristics with step 515 of theexemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed previously.

The communication system 600 may then, for example, communicate a firstportion of a communication with the second communication systemutilizing the established configuration (e.g., a beam-formingconfiguration or a MIMO or MISO configuration). The communication system600 may, for example and without limitation, share various functionalcharacteristics with step 517 of the exemplary method 500 illustrated inFIG. 5 and discussed previously. The communication system 600 may, forexample, utilize a plurality of transceivers (e.g., at least a portionof the plurality of transceivers 640-650) and associated antennas (e.g.,at least a portion of the plurality of antennas 660-670) to perform suchcommunication.

As mentioned previously, a communication may comprise characteristics ofany of a variety of types of communication. For example and withoutlimitation, a communication may comprise a telephone call or a voicemessage. A communication may, for example, comprise audio, video,pictorial, graphical, data or textual information. The scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular type of communication.

The configuration module 610 may (e.g., utilizing the communicationcondition monitor module 619), while communicating the first portion ofthe communication, monitor communication conditions to determine whetherto communicate with the second communication system utilizing the otherone of the first and second configurations. The configuration module 610(e.g., in conjunction with the communication condition monitor module619) may share various functional characteristics with step 520 of theexemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed previously.

For example, in an exemplary scenario where the configuration module 610configured the communication system 600 in a beam-forming configuration,and the communication system 600 is communicating a first portion of acommunication with the second communication system utilizing thebeam-forming configuration, the configuration module 610 may utilize thecommunication condition monitor module 619 to monitor communicationconditions and process the result of such monitoring to determinewhether to communicate with the second communication system utilizing aMIMO (or MISO) configuration rather than the present beam-formingconfiguration.

The communication conditions that the configuration module 610 (e.g.,the communication condition monitor module 619) may monitor may includeany of a variety of conditions related to the communication ofinformation. For example and without limitation, such communicationconditions may comprise noise level, energy or power availability,energy or power utilization, data rate, error rate, generalcommunication environment, system geographical position(s), time, userinput, type of data, etc.

In general, the configuration module 610 may, while communicating thefirst portion of the communication, monitor communication conditions todetermine whether to communicate with the second communication systemutilizing a different configuration. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular communication condition, manner ofmonitoring a communication condition, or manner of determining toutilize a different configuration.

If the configuration module 610 determines to utilize a differentconfiguration to communicate with the second communication system, thenthe configuration module 610 may configure the communication system 600to communicate utilizing the different configuration. The configurationmodule 610 (e.g., in conjunction with the MIMO module 614 and/or thebeam-forming module 616) may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious functional characteristics with step 540 of the exemplary method500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed previously.

In an exemplary scenario, where the configuration module 610 previouslyconfigured the communication system 600 in a MIMO configuration (e.g.,utilizing the MIMO module 614) for a first portion of a communication,the configuration module 610 may configure the communication system 600in a beam-forming configuration (e.g., utilizing the beam-forming module616) for a second portion of the communication. In another exemplaryscenario, where the configuration module 610 previously configured thecommunication system 600 in a beam-forming configuration for a firstportion of a communication, the configuration module 610 may configurethe communication system 600 in a MIMO configuration for a secondportion of the communication.

For example, the configuration module 610 may (e.g., utilizing the MIMOmodule 614 and/or the beam-forming module 616) re-encode and/or re-mapsignals to a plurality of antennas (e.g., and associated transceivers)of the communication system 600. The configuration module 610 may also,for example, communicate transitional information with the secondcommunication system. Such transitional information may, for example,comprise synchronization information to indicate a point in thecommunication between the communication system and the secondcommunication system at which a configuration transition may occur(e.g., packet, frame or time identifier). Such transitional informationmay also, for example, comprise various MIMO or MISO traininginformation (e.g., to assist the communication systems in decodingreceived information).

If the configuration module 610 determines to continue to utilize thesame configuration to communicate with the second communication system,then the communication system 600 may continue to communicate with thesecond communication system utilizing the same configuration.

During communication with the second communication system, theconfiguration module 610 may continue to monitor and/or reconfigure thecommunication system 600 as needed. For example, the configurationmodule 610 may continue monitoring communication conditions to determinewhich configuration to utilize for a third portion of the communicationor for a next communication.

The exemplary system 600 was presented to provide specific examples ofgenerally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby particular characteristics of the exemplary system 600.

The various components and/or modules of the exemplary communicationsystem 600 may be distributed or may be integrated in various degrees ofintegration. For example and without limitation, the configurationmodule 610 may be integrated into a single integrated circuit. Also forexample, the plurality of transceivers 640-650 (or portions thereof) mayalso be integrated with the configuration module 610 into a singleintegrated circuit. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular type or degree of system integration.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a systemand method for utilizing MIMO (or MISO) and beam-forming capability in amulti-antenna communication system. While the invention has beendescribed with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be madeand equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope ofthe invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, butthat the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scopeof the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a memory comprising acommunication profile; communication interface circuitry operable tosupport a Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration and abeam-forming configuration; and configuration circuitry operable to:access the communication profile to determine a required data-rate tosupport an upcoming communication using the communication interfacecircuitry; responsive to the required data-rate, determine arelationship between a first transfer data-rate capability of the MIMOconfiguration and a second transfer data-rate capability of thebeam-forming configuration, by comparing the first transfer data-ratecapability of the MIMO configuration with the second transfer data-ratecapability of the beam-forming configuration taking into consideration ageographic location affecting data transfer rates; responsive to therelationship, determine whether to perform the upcoming communicationusing the MIMO configuration or the beam-forming configuration; andresponsive to the determination: establish the MIMO configuration in thecommunication interface circuitry for performing the upcomingcommunication when the MIMO configuration is selected; and establish thebeam-forming configuration in the communication interface circuitry forperforming the upcoming communication when the beam-formingconfiguration is selected.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein theupcoming communication comprises a voice call.
 3. The device of claim 1,wherein the configuration circuitry is configured to map data from theupcoming communication to an antenna group responsive to thedetermination.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the MIMO configurationimplements a first number of antennas and the beam-forming configurationimplements a second number of antennas different from the first.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the geographic location comprises an urbanenvironment.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the geographic locationcomprises a rural environment.
 7. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising serial-to-parallel converter circuitry configured to converta serial data stream into multiple parallel data streams when the MIMOconfiguration is selected.
 8. A system comprising: a memory comprising acommunication profile; a communication resource; and configurationcircuitry configured to: obtain data for a planned communication to adestination communication system; access the communication profile todetermine a demanded data-rate to support the planned communication tothe destination system; responsive to the demanded data-rate, determinea relationship between a first transfer data-rate capability of aMultiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration and a secondtransfer data-rate capability of a beam-forming configuration, bycomparing the first transfer data-rate capability of the MIMOconfiguration with the second transfer data-rate capability of thebeam-forming configuration taking into consideration a geographiclocation affecting data transfer rates; responsive to the relationship,determine a selected communication configuration that supports thedemanded data-rate from among possible communication configurations,where the possible communication configurations comprise the MIMOconfiguration and the beam-forming configuration; configure thecommunication resource according to the selected communicationconfiguration; and communicate the data during the planned communicationto the destination communication system using the communicationresource.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the configuration circuitryis configured to map the data to an antenna group responsive to theselected communication configuration.
 10. The system of claim 8, whereinthe data comprises voice call data.
 11. The system of claim 8, where theconfiguration circuitry is further configured to: determine a multipathcharacteristic responsive to an indication of a geographic location; andupdate the selected configuration responsive to the multipathcharacteristic.
 12. The system of claim 8, where: the configurationcircuitry is configured to perform a comparison of the first and secondtransfer data-rate capabilities with a third transfer data-ratecapability of a Multiple-Input Single Output (MISO) configuration; andthe possible communication configurations further comprise the MISOconfiguration.
 13. A device comprising: a memory comprising acommunication profile; and configuration circuitry configured to:receive data to communicate to a remote communication system; determinea relationship between a first transfer data-rate capability of aMultiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) configuration and a secondtransfer data-rate capability of a beam-forming configuration, bycomparing the first transfer data-rate capability of the MIMOconfiguration with the second transfer data-rate capability of thebeam-forming configuration taking into consideration a geographiclocation affecting data transfer rates; responsive to the relationship,access data-rate information within the communication profile todetermine to perform a planned communication using a selectedconfiguration from among the MIMO configuration and the beam-formingconfiguration that supports a data-rate demand of the plannedcommunication; configure a communication resource according to theselected configuration; and communicate the data to the remotecommunication system using the selected configuration during the plannedcommunication.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the geographiclocation comprises an urban environment.
 15. The device of claim 13,wherein the geographic location comprises a rural environment.
 16. Thedevice of claim 13, where the configuration circuitry is configured to:monitor a multipath characteristic after the communication resource isconfigured according to the selected configuration; and responsive to achange in a clear-path characteristic, update the selectedconfiguration.
 17. The device of claim 13, where the configurationcircuitry is configured to map the data to an antenna group responsiveto the selected configuration.
 18. The device of claim 17, where theconfiguration circuitry is configured to map the data to the antennagroup responsive to the selected configuration by converting a serialdata stream into multiple parallel data streams.